Rheumatoid arthritis hurts the whole body

Ethics in medicine

Doctors debate the ethics of assisted suicide

The medical community and the world at large are looking at how physician-assisted suicide is playing out in Washington, Oregon and Montana. Are these states a bellwether or a death knell for legalizing the issue elsewhere? And how should physicians respond when presented with such requests from their patients?

Conference coverage

‘Year of the Lung’ draws attention to COPD, asthma

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is projected to be the third most common cause of death by 2020, but it is currently underestimated. This year’s American Thoracic Society meeting focuses on lung disease issues to bring them to the attention of the rest of the medical community.

Not sleeping but not sleepy with asymptomatic apnea

As many as 25% of apnea sufferers don’t complain of daytime sleepiness. Compliance is a problem because these patients may not see the value of treatment, according to researchers at the American Thoracic Society.

Perspectives

Editor’s Note

Systemic problems common with rheumatoid arthritis

Mindful Medicine

Attribution error confounds a diagnosis after colon cancer

A rapid deterioration in mental status confounds doctors caring for a colon cancer patient admitted to the hospital for nausea and vomiting. An internist reviews the patient's history for the clue to the right diagnosis.

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